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COP25: Partners present vital role of CO2 storage

Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage experts from the STRATEGY CCUS project, as part of the CO2GeoNet network, are attending the COP25 climate talks in Madrid this week to highlight the role that geological storage of CO2 must play in rapid and large-scale climate action needed to meet Paris Agreement targets.

Recent reports have highlighted the urgent need to step up global efforts to tackle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the latest conference is expected to push for increased national commitments on GHG reduction.

CO2GeoNet, the European network of excellence on the geological storage of CO2, will be raising the profile of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in two targeted ways.

During the first week, from 6-7 December, the network will provide an information booth, which will use a range of materials to engage with delegates and describe CCUS technologies in non-scientific terms. The scientists will also use rock samples and videos to explain why CCUS is vital for achieving goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement of 2015.

The following week, on 11 December, the partners will co-host a side event in the European Pavilion, which will consider the various technologies for reducing, avoiding and removing CO2 and ways to ensure their swift delivery. The event will also cover the importance of effective governance and new insights into potential mechanisms for scaling up GHG strategies as part of sustainable growth.

The event is being co-organised by CO2GeoNet, ImplementaSur and the Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative. More details here.

Rowena Stead of BRGM, France’s leading Earth Sciences institute, which is coordinating the STRATEGY CCUS project, said: Our role at COP25 is to communicate to delegates the vital role of carbon dioxide capture and storage as an effective and proven technology in reducing CO2 emissions. It can support efforts to meet Paris Agreement goals as part of a just transition away from fossil fuel dependence and towards a low-carbon industry.

CO2GeoNet’s organising committee for COP25 includes STRATEGY CCUS project lead BRGM (France) and project partners IGME (Spain), NORCE (Norway) and UNZIG-RGNF (Croatia).

Some of the materials that will be displayed at the CCUS Booth are available to view and/or download here.

CO2GeoNet is a pan-European scientific Association, legally registered in France, which brings together 30 partners from 21 European countries, ranging from national geological surveys, through to research institutes and universities, all with a high international profile and critical mass in CO2 geological storage research.

(Images: The CCUS information booth proving popular with COP25 delegates. Credit: CO2GeoNet)